Artificial tree pole cover

ABSTRACT

An artificial tree includes an artificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom. An artificial tree trunk includes a flexible substrate that is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches. The flexible substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite second end. An image of tree bark is displayed on the first surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/395,376, filed Sep. 5, 2016, and 62/780,279,filed Dec. 6, 2018 the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefitof, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/425,122, filed Feb. 6, 2017, nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,299,618, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cover for a pole and, morespecifically, a cover for a pole used with an artificial tree.

2. Description of the Related Art

Each year many people make the switch from a real holiday trees (e.g.,Christmas trees) to artificial trees. Typical artificial trees employ ametal pole that engages with a stand, from which extend artificialbranches. The artificial branches typically include a twisted wire thathold plastic bristles (usually colored forest green) having theappearance of pine needles. Although many of these artificial trees lookrealistic, the portion of the pole at the bottom of the tree where itconnects to the stand is usually viewable by the observer, giving thetree a feel of artificiality.

Consumers spend hundreds of dollars each year to get elaborateartificial trees that look as real as possible. However, such treesstill look artificial because of the metal pole that supports them.

Therefore, there is a need for a pole cover for an artificial tree thatcreates an illusion of tree bark.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present inventionwhich, in one aspect, is a cover for an artificial tree pole thatincludes a flexible substrate that has: a first surface and an oppositesecond surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a firstend and an opposite second end. A first decorative image is displayed onat least the first surface. A first coupling member is disposed on thefirst surface adjacent to the first edge. A second coupling member isdisposed on the second surface adjacent to the second edge. The secondcoupling member is complimentary to the first coupling member and isengagable with the first coupling member so that when the flexiblesubstrate is wrapped around the artificial tree pole, the first couplingmember will be secured to the second coupling member. As a result, aportion of the artificial tree pole will be hidden behind the firstdecorative image.

In another aspect, the invention is an artificial tree pole cover thatincludes a flexible substrate having a first surface and an oppositesecond surface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a firstend and an opposite second end. A first decorative image is displayed onat least the first surface. The flexible substrate includes a syntheticrubber sheet with a knit fabric laminated to at least the first surface.A first coupling member that includes first type of hook-and-loopfastener is disposed on the first surface adjacent to the first edge. Asecond coupling member that includes a second type of hook-and-loopfastener is disposed on the second surface adjacent to the second edge.The second type of hook-and-loop fastener is complimentary to the firsttype of hook-and-loop fastener and is engagable therewith. When theflexible substrate is wrapped around the artificial tree pole, the firsttype of hook-and-loop fastener will be secured to the second type ofhook-and-loop fastener so that a portion of the artificial tree polewill be hidden behind the first decorative image.

In another aspect, the invention is a pole cover for covering a portionof a pole used with an artificial tree that includes a flexiblesubstrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a firstedge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an opposite secondend. A first decorative image that has an appearance of tree bark isprinted on at least the first surface so as to cause an illusion thatthe portion of the pole is a tree trunk. A first coupling member thatincludes first type of hook-and-loop fastener is disposed on the firstsurface adjacent to the first edge. A second coupling member thatincludes a second type of hook-and-loop fastener is disposed on thesecond surface adjacent to the second edge. The second type ofhook-and-loop fastener is complimentary to the first type ofhook-and-loop fastener and is engagable therewith so that when theflexible substrate is wrapped around the artificial tree pole, the firsttype of hook-and-loop fastener will be secured to the second type ofhook-and-loop fastener and so that a portion of the artificial tree polewill be hidden behind the first decorative image. A third couplingmember that includes the first type of hook-and-loop fastener isdisposed on the second surface adjacent to the second edge and to thefirst end. The third coupling member has physical characteristicscorresponding to the first coupling member so that when the flexiblesubstrate is folded inwardly, the third coupling member engages thesecond coupling member, thereby adjusting a height of the cover so as toaccommodate a portion of the pole that is shorter than the flexiblesubstrate.

In another aspect, the invention is an artificial tree that includes anartificial tree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a pluralityof artificial branches extending outwardly therefrom. An artificial treetrunk includes a flexible substrate that is wrapped around the bottomportion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches. Theflexible substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface, afirst edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end and an oppositesecond end. An image of tree bark is displayed on the first surface.

In another aspect, the invention is an artificial tree, in which theflexible substrate includes a cylindrical sheet having an open positionin which the first edge is separated from the second edge by a distancesufficient to allow the flexible substrate to pass around the pole and aclosed position in which the first edge is disposed adjacent to thesecond edge.

In yet another aspect, the invention is an artificial tree, in which theflexible substrate comprising a selected one of a felt and a paper. Apressure sensitive adhesive strip is applied to the second surfaceadjacent to the first edge. A release liner strip is disposed on thepressure sensitive adhesive strip and is configured to be peeled away soas to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to theflexible substrate adjacent to the second edge so as to secure theartificial tree trunk around the artificial tree pole.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunctionwith the following drawings. As would be obvious to one skilled in theart, many variations and modifications of the invention may be effectedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pole cover, asapplied to an artificial tree.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pole cover in a flatstate.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a pole cover.

FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of a pole cover.

FIG. 3C is a front side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG.3A.

FIG. 3D is a back side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG.3A.

FIG. 3E is a left side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG.3A.

FIG. 3F is a right side elevational view of the pole cover shown in FIG.3A.

FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a fully extendedstate.

FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a first shortenedstate.

FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of a pole cover in a second shortenedstate.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, asapplied to an artificial tree.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pole cover.

FIG. 6B is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6C is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 7A-7C are a series of top views showing the embodiment shown inFIG. 5A being applied to a pole.

FIG. 8A is a top plan view of third embodiment of a pole cover.

FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail.Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughoutthe views. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the disclosurethat follows, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. As usedin the description herein and throughout the claims, the following termstake the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Also,“tree bark” means the outer rhytidomal tissue of a tree.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a pole cover 100 can be wrappedabout a portion of an artificial tree pole 10. The pole cover 100 hasthe appearance of tree bark (or it can have another decorative design)that creates the illusion to a viewer that the viewer is looking at anatural tree trunk rather than an artificial pole. The pole cover 100can also be used to hide a power cord 12 of a string of decorativelights.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3F, the pole cover 100 includes a flexiblesubstrate 110 having a first surface 112 and an opposite second surface118, a first edge 111 and an opposite second edge 113, and a first end115 and an opposite second end 117. The flexible substrate 110 could bemade of, for example, a synthetic rubber (e.g., a polychloroprenesynthetic rubber sponge material such as Neoprene) with a stretchableknit fabric laminated onto one or both sides. A decorative image 116,such as an image of tree bark, is displayed on at least the firstsurface 112. In certain embodiments, the flexible substrate can includesheet plastic, paper, felt, or one of the many flexible materials ontowhich a decorative image can be applied.

The image 116 can be printed on the first surface 112. In certainembodiments, it could also be molded onto the first surface 112 toprovide a texture. In some embodiments, a second decorative image 118can be displayed on the second surface 114, thereby giving a user theoption of choosing to display a different image. Such alternate imagescan include, for example, patterns, colors, or designs that have afestive feel. For example, a candy cane pattern could be used togenerate a festive look.

A first coupling member 122 (e.g., a loop-type material of ahook-and-loop fastener) is disposed on the first surface 112 adjacent tothe first edge 111. A second coupling member 120 (e.g., a hook-typematerial of a hook-and-loop fastener) is disposed on the second surface114 adjacent to the second edge 113. The second coupling member 120 iscomplimentary to the first coupling member 122 and is engagabletherewith. In certain embodiments, the coupling members can includeclasps, snaps, magnets, adhesives or one of the may devices that arecapable of holding the ends together.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a third coupling member 125 that has physicalcharacteristics corresponding to the first coupling member 122 can beadded so that when the flexible substrate 110 is folded inwardly, thethird coupling member 125 engages the second coupling member 120. As aresult, the cover 100 will be held in a folded configuration, therebyallowing adjustment of the height of the cover 100 to accommodateshorter poles. A fourth coupling member 125 can be added to allowfolding when the side with the second image 118 is displayed.

One embodiment makes the bottom area of artificial Christmas trees looklike real tree bark. By wrapping the flexible and adjustable cover 100around the base pole and acting as faux tree bark, the cover makes anartificial Christmas tree look more realistic and attractive. Itinstalls quickly and gives the tree a more authentic real tree look.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6A-6C and 7A-7C, one embodiment includes anartificial tree trunk that includes a flexible substrate 200 wrappedaround the bottom portion of the pole 10 below the plurality ofartificial branches 12. The flexible substrate 200 includes cylindricalsheet 216 having a first edge 202 and an opposite second edge 204. Thecylindrical sheet 216 has an open position (shown in FIG. 7A) in whichthe first edge 202 is separated from the second edge 204 by a distance206 sufficient to allow the flexible substrate 200 to pass around thepole 10 and a closed position (shown in FIG. 7C) in which the first edge202 is disposed adjacent to the second edge 204 and in which the naturalelasticity of the flexible substrate 200 holds the cylindrical sheet 216around the pole 10.

In one embodiment, the flexible substrate 200 includes an elasticthermoplastic, such as nylon. In this embodiment, an image (such as animage of tree bark) can be printed onto one side of a thermoplasticsheet and then the thermoplastic is heated until it reaches a plastic(formable) state. It is then wrapped about a cylindrical object having adiameter corresponding to the pole 10 and allowed to cool while stillwrapped about the cylindrical object. As a result, it will retain acylindrical shape. In certain embodiments, the image can be printedusing a 3D printer to give it an actual raised texture corresponding,for example, to tree bark.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the flexible substrate300 includes a first edge 302 and an opposite second edge 304. An imageof tree bark is displayed on the first surface 316 and an alternateimage can be displayed on the second surface 318. The flexible substrate300 in this embodiment can include a sheet material, such as a felt, afabric, a paper, a plasticized paper, a plastic or any one of the manycombinations thereof. A pressure sensitive adhesive strip 320 may beapplied to the second surface 318 adjacent to the first edge 302 and arelease liner strip 322 can be placed on the pressure sensitive adhesivestrip 320 to protect it prior to use. When used, the release liner strip322 is peeled away so as to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive 320 tobe secured to the flexible substrate 300 adjacent to the second edge 304so as to secure the artificial tree trunk around the artificial treepole 10.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, variousembodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures anddescription. It is understood that, although exemplary embodiments areillustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of thepresent disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques,whether currently known or not. Modifications, additions, or omissionsmay be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention. The components of thesystems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. The operationsof the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed bymore, fewer, or other components and the methods described may includemore, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in anysuitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each memberof a set or each member of a subset of a set. It is intended that theclaims and claim elements recited below do not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f)unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in theparticular claim. The above described embodiments, while including thepreferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to theinventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative examples only.It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from thespecific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than beinglimited to the specifically described embodiments above.

What is claimed is:
 1. An artificial tree, comprising: (a) an artificialtree pole having a bottom portion and supporting a plurality ofartificial branches extending outwardly therefrom; and (b) an artificialtree trunk that includes a flexible substrate wrapped around the bottomportion of the pole below the plurality of artificial branches, theflexible substrate having a first surface and an opposite secondsurface, a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first end andan opposite second end, an image of tree bark being displayed on thefirst surface, wherein the flexible substrate comprises a selected oneof a felt and a paper.
 2. The artificial tree of claim 1, wherein theflexible substrate comprises a cylindrical sheet having an open positionin which the first edge is separated from the second edge by a distancesufficient to allow the flexible substrate to pass around the pole and aclosed position in which the first edge is disposed adjacent to thesecond edge.
 3. The artificial tree of claim 1, further comprising: (a)a pressure sensitive adhesive strip applied to the second surfaceadjacent to the first edge; and (b) a release liner strip disposed onthe pressure sensitive adhesive strip and configured to be peeled awayso as to allow the pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to theflexible substrate adjacent to the second edge so as to secure theartificial tree trunk around the artificial tree pole.
 4. An artificialtree, comprising: (a) an artificial tree pole having a bottom portionand supporting a plurality of artificial branches extending outwardlytherefrom; and (b) an artificial tree trunk that includes a flexiblesubstrate wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole below theplurality of artificial branches, the flexible substrate having a firstsurface and an opposite second surface, a first edge and an oppositesecond edge, and a first end and an opposite second end, an image oftree bark being displayed on the first surface, the flexible substratecomprising a selected one of a felt and a paper; (c) a pressuresensitive adhesive strip applied to the second surface adjacent to thefirst edge; and (d) a release liner strip disposed on the pressuresensitive adhesive strip and configured to be peeled away so as to allowthe pressure sensitive adhesive to be secured to the flexible substrateadjacent to the second edge so as to secure the artificial tree trunkaround the artificial tree pole.